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Info sought on Lucian Bassi metal clarinet

Author: nigelcliffe
Date: 2008-02-19 14:56

Firstly hello, I am new here. And I know nearly nothing about clarinets, but please bear with me.

I was asked by a friend to make a part to repair a Lucian Bassi metal clarinet. I've posted some photographs of the part and instrument at:

http://www.nigelcliffe.photobook.org.uk/c1461658.html

The missing part was a metal tongue which sets the tuning of the instrument; by winding the ring on the outside, the tongue emerges and pushes on the holder of the mouthpiece, making the instrument longer. The tongue was lost around 25 years ago when my friend was a child, rendering his father's instrument impossible to tune.

Having made the missing part, I am now interested in the history of the instrument. I've gathered from searching the forum here that the name is one used by Hayworth's of Blackpool. But that's about it. I'd be interested in information about maker, period, or even metal clarinets in general. (I said I know next to nothing, I don't even know if its b-flat !)

Also, should anyone else be short of this tongue part, I should be able to help them out. I made this one by turning thin walled brass cylinder and screw cutting a short section of thread at one end. Then cut a section from the cylinder. There is enough of the cylinder to cut 4/5 more pieces should they be of any use. Get in touch to discuss further.

Many thanks for any replies.

- Nigel Cliffe

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Re: Info sought on Lucian Bassi metal clarinet

Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-02-19 15:20

http://www.nigelcliffe.photobook.org.uk/c1461658.html

I've only worked on a couple of wooden Lucian Bassi clarinets which (after rebuilding) had excellent tone.

Though this concept of a tuning gauge is a bit odd (but simple), and certainly not the best idea. The better version is what Selmer had where the entire top socket and barrel section was telescopic, and in all cases you will need a good fit close between components and plenty of grease to make it all airtight. Conn fitted a microtuner to some of their saxes, but over time and poor maintainance to most, they became loose and could leak (and the grub screw rusts).

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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Re: Info sought on Lucian Bassi metal clarinet

Author: nigelcliffe
Date: 2008-02-19 15:51

> Though this concept of a tuning gauge is a bit odd (but simple), and
> certainly not the best idea. The better version is what Selmer had
> where the entire top socket and barrel section was telescopic, and in
> all cases you will need a good fit close between components and
> plenty of grease to make it all airtight.

I am not sure what the difference would be. The top section of this clarinet slides down within the screw adjusting section, to the main column below. I've added another photograph which might illuminate things, or you can explain where I don't understand (as I said at the top, I know next to nothing about these instruments).

http://nigelcliffe.photobook.org.uk/p48530042.html

I agree about grease (or similar) to achieve airtight fit.

regards,

- Nigel

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